The Princess of Wales is patron for addiction charity the Forward Trust and has delivered a timely message to mark Addiction Awareness Week, which starts today
The Princess of Wales has called for more “compassion and love” to be shown to addicts.
Kate said it is time for the “stigma” faced by people hooked on drugs, booze and gambling to end. The princess has delivered a message to mark Addiction Awareness Week, which runs until Sunday. Kate is patron of the Forward Trust, a charity supporting recovering addicts behind the week-long campaign. She said: “Addiction is not a choice, or a personal failing, but a complex mental health condition that should be met with empathy and support.
“But still, even now in 2025, people’s experience of addiction is shaped by fear, shame and judgement. This needs to change.
“The stigma surrounding those who face addiction allows it to thrive behind closed doors, impacting families and communities, and ultimately ruining lives.
“Many of us will know someone who is struggling with an addiction.
“Now is the moment to show our compassion and love to help them, or their friends and family, to reach out to organisations like The Forward Trust for support.”
The Forward Trust’s Taking Action on Addiction campaign was first launched by Kate in 2021 to get the nation discussing addiction and tackle stigma. She added: “Recovery is hard, but with the right treatment it is possible. And this begins with a conversation, a listening ear and showing we care.
“So please join the conversation. By talking about it in the open, together we can bring addiction and the harm it causes out of the shadows.
“We can reframe this issue with kindness and understanding, and we can help individuals and families coping with addiction know they are not alone.”
Former England and Arsenal skipper Tony Adams has backed the campaign by filming a conversation with his mother-in-law that started his journey to seeking help.
The footballer is a recovered alcoholic and chairman of trustees at the Forward Trust.
In the video he urges: “If you are struggling with an addiction or a mental health issue, then please reach out and get the appropriate help.
“The greatest thing I ever did was to say, ‘I can’t do this’.”
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